BlackBerry maker will identify London rioters

Riotors who have livened up the existence of millions of Londoners for two nights in a row won't be able to hide behind the anonymity offered by RIM's BlackBerry Messaging (BBM) service, according to a Tweet posted by the company's UK outpost.

London cops have warned that anyone inciting violence using BBM or any other social messaging service will be tracked down by the Met's forensic investigators and will face hefty prison sentences.

A recent survey by Ofcom revealed that BlackBerry handsets were the most popular among UK teenagers, not least because of their bomb-proof security.

But BlackBerry UK seems to have sided with the police and in an attempt to expose those who have fanned the flames of the violence and looting.

A spokesperson for Canadian outfit RIM said: "As in all markets around the world where BlackBerry is available, we cooperate with local telecommunications operators, law enforcement and regulatory officials.

"Similar to other technology providers in the UK we comply with The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act and cooperate fully with the Home Office and UK police forces."